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The 2017 mooting finals took place in the Royal Courts of Justice, London, this past summer and LJMU mooters Marc Tyler and Abigail King came in second, with both winning £750 and mini-pupillages at Essex Court Chambers in London.

What is mooting?

Mooting is the oral presentation of a legal issue or problem against an opposing counsel and before a judge. It is perhaps the closest experience that a student can have whilst at university to appearing in court.

“Mooting provides law students with the ideal opportunity to gain experience in their future role as advocates,” said Eric Baskind, Senior Lecturer in Law and Mooting team coordinator at the School of Law. “In taking part in a moot, students do not just show their knowledge and skill in handling legal materials, but also their ability to practise the art of forensic and persuasive argument in a concise and effective manner. Mooting also enables students to gain confidence as advocates in a courtroom setting. In short, mooting is a small but firm step on the road to a place in chambers or a training contract.”

Marc Tyler, the LLB Law graduate who will be studying for BPTC in Manchester and who was a runner-up in the prestigious competition, said: “I'm very proud to have been part of the team that, once again, took LJMU to the final of the most prestigious UK mooting competition. It was not only an incredible experience, but it really underlined the community ethos of LJMU, with lecturers and alumni coming together to help in our preparation.

“I'm obviously disappointed not to have won, though I'm grateful to have chosen a university that can provide such fantastic opportunities, and I am proud we were able to repay the investment made in Abigail and I.”

The English-Speaking Union has been proud to offer Law Schools in the UK the chance to compete in this prestigious Mooting Competition since 1972. Over that period, the competition has gained in kudos, such that the winners are invited to participate in the biennial Commonwealth Moot, held in different venues round the world.

Following and including this year’s event, the competition will be administered by a new Board - established by LJMU. “We will take the competition forward with the same high standards of format, judging and awards,” said Eric Baskind.

More about LJMU’s success

The competition starts each year with 64 teams from around the UK and to get through to the final four and become runners-up is a tremendous achievement. The competition is the oldest and largest national mooting competition in the UK and is now heading into its 47th year.

Rachel Stalker, senior lecturer in law and founder of the Legal Advice Centre, talks about the challenging landscape that led her to set up the Centre and how it benefits both students and the community.